Elaine Emerson

Elaine Emerson, 63 of Worcester passed away peacefully on May 5, 2019, due to complications of multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease she lived with for more than three decades. 

The daughter of Daniel and Ruth (McDonough) Emerson, Elaine was born in Boston and grew up in Jamaica Plain and Marshfield.  She is survived by her wife and partner of 37 years, Judy Taft; their two beloved dogs, Addy and Dakini; two brothers, Daniel and his wife Anne and Richard; 11 nieces and nephews and 19 great nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents she was predeceased by two brothers, James and William Emerson.  Elaine also leaves behind Judy’s loving family, Janet Taft and her husband Renny Merritt; Russell Taft and his wife Janet; seven nieces and nephews, one great grandnephew and one great grandniece. 

Elaine’s favorite jobs were bartending and being a chef.  Unfortunately, her career was cut short in her early 30s with her diagnosis of MS and her resulting disabilities.  Elaine and Judy loved to travel, traveling to Alaska, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Tucson, Santa Fe, Taos and Washington DC to name a few. She enjoyed collecting just about anything from old soda signs to kitschy ceramic flamingos to Southwestern pottery.

She will be remembered with love for her quick, dry wit, beautiful smile, wonderful cooking and all -around enjoyment of life.  MS challenged her nearly every waking moment, but in spite of all the disease took away, Elaine fought back tenfold with unmatched strength, tenacity and resolve.  A memorable woman who shall be sorely missed.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful nurses and staff of Notre Dame Hospice for their valiant and creative efforts.  Their professionalism and caring attitude were unsurpassed in our experience and we are forever thankful.

Family and friends are invited to Mercadante Funeral Home and Chapel, 370 Plantation Street Worcester on Thursday May 16th, from 4:00 pm-6:00 pm with a service to follow in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in Elaine’s memory be made to The Sloth Conservation Foundation, Bank Vale Barn, Bank Vale Road, Hayfield, High Peak, Derbyshire SK22 2EZ United Kingdom.

Donations can also be made via PayPal at [email protected]